Mitch Cuthbert inspires Langwarrin to first win of the season in Peninsula league

LANGWARRIN has avoided its first ever winless season after cracking its duck egg with a stirring 12-point win over Chelsea on Saturday.

Langwarrin’s Gerard Brown played his best game for the season in the Kangaroos’ win over Chelsea. Picture: Chris Eastman

LANGWARRIN has avoided its first ever winless season after cracking its duck egg with a stirring 12-point win over Chelsea on Saturday.

The Kangaroos’ 8.12 (60) to 6.12 (48) win at a windswept Chelsea Reserve was reward for persistence, according to coach Brad Dredge.

He denied the prospect of a winless season had been playing on his mind. Langy had been 0-13.

“Not really. It was just more the character of the boys, they weren’t giving up — they probably had every right to, really — and the faith they were showing in me and the coaching group, it was just good for them to get reward for effort,’’ Dredge said.

Langwarrin’s win was inspired by 21-year-old fullback Mitch Cuthbert, who played in the ruck and was outstanding, even kicking his first goal in senior footy, finishing with two.

The experienced Gerard Brown played his best game for the season, floating through the ruck and as a loose back.

“It was very trying conditions with a howling wind going down one way,’’ Dredge said.

“(Chelsea coach) Brett Dunne and I spoke about it after the game. You’ve got one coach trying to open the game up when they’re kicking with the wind and one coach trying to shut it down.’’

Langwarrin coach Brad Dredge.

Langy’s win also featured impressive displays from youngsters Zach Andrewartha and Zac Foot, while senior leaders Michael Parker and Blake Harkness continued their strong form.

Dredge said his “sole focus’’ was to keep the current Langwarrin group together.

Mt Eliza climbed to fifth spot after a stirring three-point win over Pines, 7.17 (59) to 7.14 (56), at Madsen Reserve. With the game — and perhaps their season — on the line, the Redlegs kicked 4.4 into the breeze in the last quarter to secure their most important win of the season. Teenagers Lachlan Young, Finlay Bayne and Tom Small were superb in the trying conditions. Pines, after two losses in a row, has slipped to third spot.

Edi-Asp climbed to fourth spot after a resounding 9.9 (63) to 3.7 (25) win over Karingal. Tim Mannix was best-on-ground, while Angus Macquire, Mark Mullins and Michael Bussey were influential.

Bonbeach moved to second spot after dispatching Mornington, 10.12 (72) to 5.11 (41), at the Kennel. Sharks stars Shane McDonald and Dylan Jones kicked three goals apiece.

Seaford’s finals hopes took another hit when it lost to Frankston YCW by four points, 7.8 (50) to 7.4 (46), at Coburn Oval. The Tigers have dropped their past three games and have slipped to sixth spot. YCW’s win was set up by Byron Barry, Matt La Fontaine, Tony Lester and Ash Eames. For Seaford, Brad Doyle, Tom Shaw, Matt McCormack, Curtis Murfett and Dean Williamson battled away.